By: C.J. Lloyd September 27, 2024

In corporate finance, budgeting is often seen as a practical necessity. However, it takes on a more profound significance when viewed through a biblical lens. Budgeting becomes an act of stewardship, a way to honor God with our resources and align our financial decisions with His divine purpose. The Request for Proposal (RFP) plays a crucial role in this process, ensuring that principles of righteousness and accountability guide our efforts.

Biblical Foundations of Stewardship

• God as the Ultimate Owner: The Bible teaches that all we have comes from God (Psalm 24:1). As stewards of His creation, we are responsible for using our resources wisely and for His glory. This includes corporate resources we are blessed with provision over.
• Wise Use of Resources: The Bible warns against greed and materialism, encouraging us to be content with what we have and to use our resources wisely (1 Timothy 6:6-10). This principle is extremely important for running lean but effective operations for corporations.

RFPs can be a powerful tool for aligning our financial decisions with biblical principles. By inviting proposals from various vendors or service providers, companies can:

• Seek God’s Guidance: Prayerful consideration of proposal responses can help us discern God’s will for our business and ensure that our decisions are aligned with His purposes and savings for the organization.
• Support Charitable Causes: By including charitable giving as a factor in vendor selection, companies can use their purchasing power to support worthy causes and positively impact their communities. As a non-profit, when we consider vendors, we also consider them partners in our growth goals. This can assist in a more mutual working relationship and can potentially reduce costs.

Corporate budgeting is not merely a financial exercise; it is a sacred responsibility that requires us to steward our resources in accordance with God’s principles. By incorporating biblical values into our decision-making processes, including RFPs, we can ensure that our businesses are aligned with God’s purpose.